JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. (April 10, 2016) -- Members of the 315th Aerospace Medical Squadron welcomed a new commander for their unit during a change of command ceremony April 10, 2016 at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina.
Col. Charles Ellis relinquished command to Col. Edwin Newman as Ellis prepares for his retirement later in the year.
“I couldn’t have done it without my family,” said Ellis as he addressed the more than 50 attendees during the ceremony. “Being a squadron commander is the best job in the Air Force, and I am proud of being able to do that.”
Col. Gregory Gilmour, 315th Airlift Wing commander, led the ceremony with opening remarks.
“Doc Ellis, outstanding job,” Gilmour said. “Thank you for your service and for what you were able to accomplish!”
As the ceremony continued, Ellis passed the guidon to Gilmour, who then confidently presented it to Newman as the newfound commander.
“I look forward to rising to the occasion,” said Newman. “Our country needs us to do this job. Maintaining your families, civilian jobs, personal lives and the standards that are required of you here is tough.”
Prior to taking command of the 315th AMDS, Newman was their chief of aeromedical services.
The 315th AMDS provides personnel augmentation to a fixed Air Mobility Command medical treatment facility, in support of a base population, utilizing an integrated trained medical staff for contingency operations. As an associate unit, this involves coordination and usage of equipment, facilities and medical materiel with the active duty medical group host.